When the Titanic sank, so did the Edwardian age that created it. In this brilliantly original history, Gareth Russell recasts a tragedy we think we know to explore an era of seismic change.When the Titanic sank, so did the Edwardian age that created it. In this brilliantly original history, Gareth Russell recasts a tragedy we think we know to explore an era of seismic change.With new research and previously unseen first-hand accounts, Gareth Russell peers through the most famous portholes in the world to follow six travellers. Amongst them, a Jewish-American immigrant, an American movie star, a member of the British nobility, and a titan of industry. Setting these lives against that of the Titanic, Russell investigates social class, technological advancement, political turmoil and pioneering ambition in an age that swang between folly and brilliance, hubris and triumph.A dramatic history of human endeavour told through extraordinary, diverse personalities, The Ship of Dreams dispels myth to revive the story of a ship that was to become symbolic of its own doomed era.Previously published as The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World.‘A fascinating look at life during a doomed era … Like spending time with an amusing conversationalist aboard what the Edwardians called ‘a ship of dreams’ … Russell’s social observations are sharp and witty … the wider history he presents is packed with interesting details.’ Times, Book of the Week‘Gripping …. the attention to detail is astonishing.’ Sunday Times‘Engrossing … This masterly reconstruction renders the Titanic story vital again’ Mail on Sunday‘Russell sets out to look at the night through the experiences of six first-class passengers … Russell reminds us no one thought the Titanic could sink … The belief in the infallibility of bigness is the most striking feature of Russell’s darksome failing world’ Daily Telegraph‘It is a wonderful, multi-angled view of history and grips the reader as compellingly as a pacey historical or epic movie … Russell has written a wonderful book, full of personalities, history but most of all suspense.’ Independent ‘Gareth Russell invites us into the first-class staterooms aboard the RMS Titanic and brings to life the Edwardian era and its elite—the exclusive circle of Europeans and Americans who wielded unimaginable wealth and influence on both sides of the Atlantic. Deeply researched and lushly detailed, the book shines new light on both the bygone Golden Age and the iconic tragedy that marked the beginning of its end.’ Lynn Vincent, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Indianapolis‘This absorbing account proves that there are many levels to the endless fascination of the Titanic story … Gareth Russell skilfully constructs an eloquent and gripping narrative that is essentially a microcosm of the moribund Edwardian class system that would go down with the Titanic and finally be obliterated by war in 1914.’ Helen Rappaport, author of Four Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Romanov Grand DuchessesGareth Russell read Modern History at St Peter’s College at the University of Oxford and completed his postgraduate atQueen’s University, Belfast with a study of Catherine Howard’s household. He has written for the Sunday Times, Tatler and the Irish News and is the author of two novels set in his native Belfast and several books on royal history. He divides his time between Belfast and New York.• GROWING AUTHOR BRAND/YOUNG HISTORIAN ON THE RISE: Based between NYC and Northern Ireland, Gareth Russell is young and talented. He writes reviews for publications such as the Telegraph.• ONE OF THE MOST STORIED BOATS TO THIS DAY: The film ‘Titanic’ remains one of the highest-grossing feature films in history. The topic remains one of fascination more than 100 years after the facts. This book will shed a light on the lives of the genuine ‘Rose’s of that world.• READERS OF THESE BOOKS WILL WANT TO READ THE DARKSOME BOUNDS OF FAILING WORLD: ‘Titanic Lives’ (12.5k TCM) by Richard Davenport-Hines, ‘Shadow of the Titanic’ (11k TCM) by Andrew Wilson, ‘A Night to Remember’ (41k TCM) by Walter Lord, Julian Fellowes and Brian Lavery, ‘Victorians Undone’ by Kathryn Hughes (20k across formats), ‘The Age of Decadence’ (7k TCM in HB) by Simon Heffer, ‘Victorious Century: 1800-1906’ by David Cannadine (4k TCM in HB).• WELL CONNECTED, HAS A COTERIE OF FELLOW HISTORIANS: Gareth has previously been endorsed by the likes of Tracy Borman, Dan Jones, Adrian Tinniswood and Philippa Gregory. Scholars and popular writers from similar horizones are likely to support this new book too. Julian Fellowes is already slated to contribute a quote. Daniel Mendelsohn would be well-placed to review the book.Competition: Voyagers of the Titanic; Titanic Lives; A Night to Remember; Shadow of the Titanic; Minute by Minute; Courtiers; Mountbattens. Tracy Borman Lucy Worsley; Walter Lord; Richard Davenport-Hines; Andrew Wilson; Brian Lavery; Andrew Lownie
Publicat de: HarperCollins Publishers